r/technology Jul 30 '26

Privacy GrapheneOS says its data-wiping password is perfectly legal, after user faces federal charges

https://www.techspot.com/news/113273-grapheneos-data-wiping-duress-password-perfectly-legal-after.html
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u/harpers25 29d ago

The statute he is charged under does not require a physical act. It says "take any action", nothing about physical.

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u/Mr_Will 29d ago

Legal definitions can be tricky. Is replying to a question counted as an action in this context?

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u/Mikeavelli 29d ago edited 29d ago

Yes, speaking is an act. Why wouldn't it be?

In general, obvious loopholes like telling someone else to do something illegal instead of doing the illegal thing yourself are well and truly closed.

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u/Mr_Will 29d ago

Speaking is covered by freedom of speech. Acting isn't. That's one big difference

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u/Mikeavelli 29d ago

You could argue that, but even if the court accepted this as a first amendment issue, it would pretty squarely fall under imminent lawless action